If you think Tampa is made up entirely of crowded beaches and retirement homes, you’re in for a surprise. The Bay area boasts miles of beautiful coastlines and natural landscapes. Fill up your tank and get ready for a scenic trip around the bay.
Courtney Campbell Causeway
Heading to Clearwater to see Winter, the local dolphin celebrity? Taking the Courtney Campbell Causeway from Tampa is as much of a treat as the aquarium itself. The Causeway spans nearly ten miles across pristine waters, where you can watch boaters or spot an occasional fin. There are plenty of spots to pull over when you want to go for a dip, do a little fishing, or just watch the beautiful Florida sunset.
Bayshore Boulevard
If you meander through Tampa’s downtown district, you have to treat yourself to a trip down Bayshore Boulevard. This historic street offers a fantastic view of Hillsborough Bay, dozens of gorgeous mansions, and the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. You can stop by the Colonnade Restaurant, a Tampa landmark, for some of the area’s freshest seafood, then go for a stroll by the balustrade and watch for dolphins in the water.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
There are several roads leading from Tampa Bay to Manatee County, but the coolest one is the Sunshine Skyway. The skyway, one of the top three bridges in the world, is often used in car commercials because of its impressive length and incredible scenery. You can stop for a quick photograph at the fishing pier, or just enjoy the four-mile drive over the gulf.
The best time to cross the Skyway is after dark, when the “sunshine” part of its name becomes clear and the bridge lights up the gulf. If you don’t own a vehicle, you definitely need to look for some used cars just so you can experience the Skyway’s beauty for yourself.
Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway
Once you’re in Manatee County, there are seemingly endless beaches for you to enjoy. To make the most of your Bradenton experience, go for a drive down the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway, where you can see the prettiest parts of “Old Florida.” Whether you’re interested in seaside architecture or Florida’s natural green environments, Bradenton Beach has a lot to offer its Bay area travelers.
Ybor City
Though it’s more of a unique neighborhood than a scenic drive, you can’t spend time in Tampa without paying a visit to its historic Ybor City. In this “Latin district” you can check out some of the oldest buildings in the city combined with popular nightlife spots and tourist havens. You can even ride down the streets on the trolley, which has its very own museum, and look for the chickens that roam the area. You definitely need to experience this National Historic Landmark.
The next time you’re in the mood for a nice drive, do a little exploring around Tampa Bay. You might discover that the city and all its surrounding environments are so picturesque you’ll want to drive through them forever.
Leave a Reply